Things to do

20 Wonderful Things To Do In Pendleton Oregon

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Pendleton is an attractive town that is situated northeast of the state, famous for its annual Pendleton Round-Up, one of the most extensive and oldest rodeos in the United States.

This town is proud of its woolen mills producing high-quality blankets and textiles, highly demanded all over the world. Besides that, there is historic downtown Pendleton with well-preserved buildings, local shops, and art galleries; a beautiful mixture of Old West and modern-day charm.

So, check out the list of things to do in Pendleton OR to get a solid idea of the places you can visit there.

1. Explore The Pendleton Underground Tours

Tourists often explore Pendleton Underground Tours for its mysterious and hidden history. This place not only gives you breathtaking views but also provides you with various insights about history.

The guided tours take visitors underneath the streets of downtown Pendleton through a network of tunnels and spaces that served Chinese labor quarters, opium dens, gambling halls, and speakeasies.

Constructed in the latter part of the 1800s, the tunnels give a whole new perspective on this town's colorful past combination of both trials and resilience by the people who lived and worked there.

2. Explore The Pendleton Woolen Mills

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Pendleton Woolen Mills is a major textile manufacturing concern based in Pendleton, Oregon, whose antecedents go as far back as 1909.

Known for high-quality products manufactured from wool-advantageously the now-iconic blankets-Pendleton Woolen Mills has become synonymous with quality American craftsmanship. 

The facility remains to this day manufacturing a wide variety of woolen goods that range from wearing apparel to home decor accessories. A visit to Pendleton allows guests to tour the mill and understand the fine details of weaving while understanding the Company's rich heritage in the region.

3. Visit The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute is the most outstanding museum that represents a very vital function in preserving and sharing history and culture regarding Native American tribes within the region.

The institute is set on giving insight into the stories of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, who have been among the oldest occupants of that region.

Visitors might appreciate the resilience of these communities and their cultural traditions. The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute is an essential stop for anyone who tries to get a glimpse into the deeper and continued connectedness of the indigenous peoples.

4. Discover The Pendleton Round-Up

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The Pendleton Round-Up represents just such a legendary annual rodeo event held every September. From its 1910 founding, it has grown to be one of the biggest and oldest continuous rodeos in the United States.

It celebrates the spirit of the Old West when thousands come from all around the country to witness some of the best rodeo athletes. Round-Up rodeo events include classic bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling, held in a historic arena complete with its unique grass infield.

5. Explore The Umatilla Country Historical Society Museum

The Umatilla County Historical Society Museum is centered in Pendleton, Oregon, and offers the enrichment of an educational look at the past.

Exhibitions included in this museum range from artifacts, photographs, and documents on different eras of Umatilla County.

Early settlers' exhibits, local industries, and indigenous tribes of the area are some of the things a visitor can look at. It also highlights some historical incidents that had impacts on the region and individuals who participated in its development.

6. Visit The Children's Museum Of Eastern Oregon

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The Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon is a fun and educational facility for kids and families and many exhibits allow interaction and participation in holding the attention of young minds and teaching children through the use of play. 

Many of the exhibits will include subjects such as science, art, and local history very educational and fun, allowing children to experience and learn in their own creative way.

Events, such as workshops and learning demonstrations, are also held within the museum to inspire curiosity and imagination.

7. Shop At Pendleton Oregon Costco

The Pendleton, Oregon Costco has, for some time now, stood out as a large warehouse outlet with several items from multiple categories available at the best possible rates. Its site in Pendleton makes it very convenient for residents and visitors of that area.

You will find everything from groceries and household goods to electronics and clothes at Costco. Large format items, therefore, are what it is best known for, where a customer is made to buy more at lower costs.

These include an optical department, pharmacy, and gas station. It is a popular stop for both businesses and families.

8. Explore The Pendleton Center For The Arts

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The Pendleton Center for the Arts is a dynamic community space in Pendleton, Oregon, that works purposefully toward the promotion and highlining of local arts and culture. 

This house was divided into galleries to display the work of local artists and also displayed facilities for theatrical performances, music concerts, and other cultural performances. Its objective is to nurture and support the arts in Pendleton by providing residents and visitors alike with opportunities to avail, enjoy, and experience art.

9. Visit The Department Of Motor Vehicles

The Pendleton, Oregon DMV is where all residents can take care of a range of vehicle-related services. This office offers essential services like driver's license renewals, vehicle registration, and new plates. Other possible services to be handled are title transfers, name, or address changes, and replacement of lost or stolen documents.

It serves the needs of both personal and commercial vehicles and provides testing for new drivers. The DMV is very convenient for those who need to have their records updated for any vehicle or driver's license information.

Calling in advance to confirm operating hours for the DMV would be a good idea so this would prevent waiting in lines for extended periods.

10. Stay Overnight At Pendleton House Historic Inn

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The Pendleton House Historic Inn is charming, appealingly elegant, and one of your premier choices when looking for hotels in Pendleton.

This historic inn enjoys a unique character in comfortable lodging with modern amenities combined with the warmth of vintage appeal.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay at Pendleton House Historic Inn as it is conveniently accessible to local attractions and pulsating cultural scenes of the town. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a distinctive and memorable stay in Pendleton.

11. Explore The McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

The McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a very attractive and tranquil area preserved to protect wildlife and their habitats. It covers more than 8,500 acres of various wetlands, grasslands, and forests.

It is also the perfect avenue for routines such as hiking, bird-watching, and photo documentation of wildlife. A variety of animals that can be seen in this refuge includes migratory birds, deer, and other native species. This refuge also forms a part of conserving important habitats these animals need.

The scenic landscapes, having a varied range of wildlife, make for a very quiet, peaceful retreat for the nature lover.

12. Discover The Pendleton Farmers Market

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The Pendleton Farmers Market is a pivotal high among farmers' markets in Pendleton, Oregon which is very vibrant and local and is a way to do your shopping.

This market, regularly in downtown Pendleton, carries fresh locally grown produce, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

In addition, other homemade products are baked goods, jams, and crafts by locals. This market is a great place to support local farmers and artisans, amidst vibrancy. The Pendleton Farmers Market is one great way to experience the local flavors and community spirit.

13. Take A Walk Along The River Parkway

The River Parkway in Pendleton, Oregon, is a scenic and fun walk ranging along the Umatilla River. It gives a perfect setting for walking, jogging, and picnic activities.

Some of the items that make it attractive are nicely maintained paths with great views of the river and landscapes. This makes it an attractive place where locals and visitors can go to relaxed and enjoy nature.

It is also an excellent area for bird-watching and enjoying wildlife within. The weather in Pendleton can be very changeable; therefore, it is best to check the forecast before traveling.

14. Shop At Hamley Western Store

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Hamley Western Store is a historic and iconic store that has served the community since 1980. In addition to complete western wear and gear, Hamley Western Store carries anything from boots and hats to leather belts and saddles.

The friendliness of the store personnel adds to the rich congenial ambiance of the store with its rich history. Moreover, it is also famous for its high-quality leather goods and unique western-themed gifts.

Inside, you can find the culmination of traditional and modern Western styles. Thus making it a place dear to the residents and visitors of Pendleton alike, where one wants to take up the Western lifestyle.

15. Visit Roy Raley Park

Roy Raley Park in Pendleton, Oregon, is a very favorite community park, with its grounds well cared for. It offers quite a few leisure facilities and activities to people of all ages.

The park consists of playing fields like baseball and softball diamonds, hence serving as a very good site for local games and activities. There are playgrounds for children, picnic areas with tables and shelters, and walking paths for a stroll.

Often, community events are held at the park, including festivals and concerts, making this even more of an important congregating point in Pendleton.

16. Dine At Moe Pho Noodles and Cafe

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Moe Pho Noodles and Cafe is a small eatery. From delicious Vietnamese dishes down to an atmosphere that manages to combine coziness with eclectic charm, there is certainly much to like about this cafe. 

The cafe has every kind of pho-a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that is filling and flavorful. They also offer other forms of pho with different types of meat, such as beef and chicken, along with vegetarian options.

Along with pho, the place offers other hits of Vietnamese cuisine: banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and rice bowls. It's a friendly staff kind of place that welcomes people into a casual environment.

17. Enjoy At Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Among the major casinos in Pendleton, Wildhorse Resort & Casino is one of them that offers an extended network of gaming and entertainment options.

One can entertain themselves on the enormously big casino floor fitted with rows of slot machines, table games including blackjack and poker, and even a sportsbook for sports betting. 

In addition to comfortable hotel stay privileges, one can look into multifarious dining options, coupled with a fully equipped spa-a good destination spot. The resort's event center also hosts live entertainment and other events, making this an excellent destination for gamers and those simply looking to get away in style.

18. Take A Brewery Tour At Prodigal Son Brewery

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A local brewery, Prodigal Son is recognized for its wide availability of handcrafted beers, which range from ale to lager to seasonal brews. This brewery maintains a friendly taproom where visitors can sample beers provided on its menu and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

The addition of live music and frequent other events makes this a great place for socializing and taking in the culture. Snacks and small plates are available with which one might enjoy pairing.

Prodigal Son Brewery will give the customer visiting Pendleton an experience that is different from any other and quite entertaining, thanks to its friendly staff and commitment to quality.

19. Walk Along Pendleton Skate Park

Pendleton Skate Park is an outdoor facility in Pendleton, Oregon, designed for skateboarding, BMX riding, and inline skating for all skill levels.

The park is equipped with numerous ramps, rails, and obstacles; half-pipes and bowls add numerous challenges to which skaters would love to practice and improve their tricks.

It is an awesome place for beginning and advanced riders to enjoy fun and exercise. Smooth surfaces are pretty well-maintained, enabling one to skate safely.

It's a place of congregation, a spot where people can meet up, watch each other skate, and generally enjoy the sport. Pendleton Skate Park is a colorful spot, adding to the active lifestyle of youth culture in this town.

20. Have Fun At Pendleton Aquatic Center

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The Pendleton Aquatic Center is a fun family-friendly facility featuring many water activities and amenities.

From lap and recreational swimming in the large swimming pool to a separate area for the youngest of children, including splash features, all the way to a relaxing hot tub, this aquatic center often offers swim lessons and water aerobics classes for all ages. 

The Pendleton Aquatic Center introduces a clean and well-kept facility where one can stay active, cool off on highly heated days, or enjoy quality times with family and friends. This place is highly popular with locals and visitors alike who are seeking fun in a splash, due to the friendly staff and very accommodating atmosphere.